2-Hour GoCar Tour of Downtown San Diego and Old Town

If you’re thinking about exploring San Diego with a bit of a twist, a 2-hour GoCar tour of Downtown and Old Town might just be your ticket. This self-drive adventure promises a mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and a dash of novelty—all in a compact, easy-to-handle vehicle. We’ve looked into it thoroughly, and it’s clear that this tour offers a unique way to see some of San Diego’s most iconic spots without the hassle of traditional tours.

What we really like about this experience is how smooth and accessible it is. The built-in GPS takes the stress out of navigation, so you can focus on the sights and sounds. Plus, it’s a flexible way to explore areas that large buses or walking tours might not reach. On the flip side, it’s not the best choice if you’re uncomfortable with city driving or if you’re in a large group—traffic can get tricky, and space in the vehicle is limited.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want an interactive, active way to explore San Diego. If you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small family, and you enjoy the idea of zipping around at your own pace, this could be a highlight of your trip. However, if you’re after a leisurely, relaxed experience or traveling with a larger group, you might want to consider other options.

• Flexible self-drive format allows you to explore at your own pace
• Built-in GPS makes navigation easy and stress-free
• Visits to major San Diego sights like Old Town, Balboa Park, and Little Italy
• Includes essentials like gas, helmets, and a map—no hidden costs
• Good for travelers seeking adventure and a more personal sightseeing experience
• Not ideal for those uncomfortable with city driving or with large groups

If you’re craving an experience that combines the fun of driving with the thrill of sightseeing, this GoCar tour offers a lot. For just $52 per person, you’re getting a compact, self-guided vehicle equipped with GPS, so the focus remains on the adventure rather than map reading. Travelers rave about how easy it is to navigate, with many noting the GPS helps them stay on track even if they miss a turn.

The overall rating of 4.5 out of 5, based on over 110 reviews, indicates most participants find this experience worth it. People mention the helpful staff, the ease of check-in, and how safe they felt behind the wheel—even if they initially felt hesitant. As one reviewer put it, “It was very safe feeling and blended with traffic very well.” The size of the vehicle is an advantage here, making it simple to weave through traffic and pull over for quick photo stops.

The route kicks off in Little Italy, a neighborhood famous for its Italian heritage, now thriving with modern cafes, art galleries, and lively streets. From there, you’ll make your way into Balboa Park, a sprawling 1,200-acre green space filled with Spanish Renaissance architecture, museums, gardens, and open-air pavilions. It’s a scenic, calming stop that’s perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the views.

Next, the Gaslamp Quarter awaits. Once known for its past as San Diego’s red-light district, it’s now a vibrant hub of nightlife, restaurants, and history. Many reviews highlight that seeing this area transformed is a real eye-opener, providing a sense of how the city’s character has evolved over time.

Old Town San Diego is a must-see snapshot of the city’s early days. You’ll get a feel for what life was like during the old west, with historic buildings and stories of Spanish and American settlers. It’s a lively area that keeps history feeling tangible rather than just dates on a plaque.

From there, it’s a quick drive by the San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s top zoos, home to over 12,000 animals. While you won’t stop here (unless you want to). The main attraction is seeing it from the outside—an impressive sight that hints at the zoo’s importance to the city.

The tour also passes Historic Fort Stockton and Presidio Park, where a Spanish Mission once stood. These stops add a historical flavor and give you a sense of San Diego’s diverse roots.

Finally, the route takes you through Mission Hills, a neighborhood full of charming older homes, some dating back over 50 years. It’s a peaceful, picturesque area that offers a glimpse into San Diego’s architectural past.

Participants consistently mention how straightforward it is to get started. The staff provides an orientation, making sure everyone feels confident before hitting the road. Helmets, a map, and fuel are all included, so there are no surprises. One reviewer shared, “It was easy check-in and the GPS works as well as described,” which speaks volumes about the process.

Most travelers find the two-hour duration just right—enough time to see key sights without feeling rushed or exhausted. That said, some mention that navigating city traffic can be a bit tricky, especially if road closures or unexpected detours pop up. As one review notes, “There were several road closings that he had not informed us about,” leading to some scrambling to get back on track. Still, the GPS generally helps guide you back to the route.

The vehicle itself is small enough to maneuver easily but compact enough that larger or taller individuals may find it snug. Luckily, the staff is accommodating in giving options for different needs, and many reviews highlight the helpfulness of the team.

The pros are clear: you get a personalized tour experience that’s flexible. You decide when to stop, take photos, or explore a bit more. The audio stories add educational value and make the tour feel more engaging than just driving around aimlessly. Several reviewers mentioned how much they learned about the city’s history and neighborhoods, even those who’ve lived in San Diego for years.

Many travelers note how fun and novel it is to navigate San Diego’s streets in a small, quirky vehicle. The GPS system is praised for keeping everyone on track, which is especially helpful in a city with busy streets.

Some drawbacks include the lack of a reverse gear—you have to push the car backwards if you get stuck. Also, the traffic can be a challenge during peak hours, and larger groups may struggle to stay together or keep track of each other, as some reviews point out.

Pricing at $52 per person is quite reasonable when you consider the cost of renting a car, tour guides, and entry fees for traditional tours. Plus, the tour includes gas, helmets, and a map, removing many hidden fees.

This experience is perfect for independent travelers who want to see San Diego without a strict schedule. If you enjoy a sense of adventure, this self-guided tour allows you to explore on your terms. It’s also great for families with older kids (some reviews mention an 11-year-old son having a blast), and for couples wanting a fun, shared activity.

However, if you’re not comfortable with city driving, or if you prefer a more relaxed, guided experience, this might not be the best fit. Larger groups or those who want to visit many attractions at once could find the time constraints limiting.

The GoCar 2-hour tour of Downtown and Old Town offers a lively, engaging way to see San Diego. It combines the independence of a self-drive experience with the convenience of GPS navigation, making it accessible for most travelers. The route covers a diverse range of neighborhoods and sights, giving a broad taste of what makes San Diego special.

Most reviews highlight how friendly and helpful the staff are, and many mention that they learned something new about the city along the way. The price is reasonable considering all the included essentials, and the experience is genuinely fun—think of it as a city adventure in a tiny, talking car.

If you’re after a unique, flexible way to explore San Diego, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy a bit of independence, don’t mind city traffic, and want to make your sightseeing a memorable part of your trip.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but you need a driver’s license and be 21 or older to drive. Kids might enjoy riding along, but check with the provider about age restrictions if you’re considering it for children.

What’s included in the price?
The rental price covers the GPS car, a rider orientation, gas, helmets, a map, and an environmental fee. No hidden costs are mentioned.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refunded.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 2 hours, which is enough time to see all the major stops without feeling too rushed.

What if I miss a turn?
The GPS will help guide you back on track, and contacting the office is straightforward if needed, as many reviewers mention.

Is parking available at the meeting point?
While specific parking information isn’t provided, the tour starts at 3918 Mason St, which is centrally located and accessible.

Can I upgrade to an electric car?
Yes, some reviews mention upgrading from a classic to an electric GoCar, which can add to the fun and eco-friendliness.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets are included, and you’re encouraged to wear them for safety.

What if the weather is bad?
Tour cancellations due to poor weather are possible, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re looking for a lively, engaging way to see San Diego at your own pace, the GoCar tour hits many of the right notes. Just be ready for city traffic, and you’ll likely come away with a memorable adventure in this vibrant city.